Short answer: soak 10 to 15 g of tatsoi seed for 2 to 3 hours. Sow it evenly on a 10 × 20 inch tray of moist soil, cover it, and keep it dark for 2 to 3 days. Uncover, give bright light, and water from below. Cut at 10 to 12 days. For sprouts, grow 1 tablespoon in a jar for 3 to 6 days.
What is tatsoi?
Tatsoi (Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa) is an Asian green related to bok choy. It grows round, spoon-shaped, dark-green leaves. As a microgreen, it tastes mild with a soft mustard bite. Sprouting.com gives it 3 to 6 days as sprouts and 10 to 12 as microgreens.1
How to grow tatsoi microgreens
- Day0
Soak
Soak the seed for 2 to 3 hours. Drain.
- Day0
Sow
Spread evenly over moist potting mix. Mist.
- Day0–3
Blackout
Cover and mist daily.
- Day3
Light
Uncover and give bright light.
- Day10–12
Harvest
Cut above the soil when the leaves are open.
Tips for growing tatsoi microgreens
- Soak 2 to 3 hours, then drain well before sowing.
- Sow 10 to 15 g per 10 × 20 inch tray. Tatsoi seed is small, so a little goes a long way.
- Give bright light for dark, glossy leaves.
- Cut at 10 to 12 days, when the spoon-shaped seed leaves are open.
Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Fuzzy white roots | Normal root hairs | Mist; they flatten when wet |
| Gray patches at the base | Mold from wet, still air | Sow thinner, water from below, add a fan |
| Tall, pale stems | Low light or late uncovering | Uncover on time, give brighter light |
| Hulls on leaves | Dry blackout | Mist before uncovering, brush off at harvest |
Tatsoi vs bok choy microgreens
Tatsoi and bok choy are close relatives. Tatsoi has smaller, darker, spoon-shaped leaves and a little more mustard bite. Bok choy is milder and juicier. Both grow at a similar pace and mix well with komatsuna and mizuna for an Asian greens tray.
Tatsoi sprouts
In a jar, soak 1 tablespoon for 2 to 3 hours, then rinse and drain twice a day. Sprouting.com gives tatsoi 3 to 6 days as sprouts.
Storing and eating tatsoi microgreens
Use within 5 to 7 days. Tatsoi microgreens suit noodle soups, stir-fries (added at the end), salads and rice bowls. Mix them with bok choy and mizuna for an Asian greens blend. See microgreen mixes.
Safety
For sprouts, the FDA says higher-risk groups should not eat them raw, and Health Canada advises everyone to cook sprouts.23
Tatsoi FAQ
What does tatsoi taste like?
Mild and slightly mustardy, with juicy, tender leaves.
How long do tatsoi microgreens take?
About 10 to 12 days after a 2 to 3 hour soak.
Can I mix tatsoi with other microgreens?
Yes. It grows at a similar pace to bok choy, komatsuna and other brassicas.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
